do_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o know_v nor_o understand_v we_o be_v vindicate_v and_o defend_v from_o the_o rashness_n and_o temerity_n of_o opinative_a man_n as_o for_o they_o that_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o we_o kâ—ow_o they_o have_v â—nely_a regard_n to_o the_o name_n of_o opinion_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o base_a and_o ignominious_a but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v consider_v attentive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n whither_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v a_o thing_n or_o whither_o be_v move_v by_o some_o authority_n he_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o he_o know_v not_o he_o shall_v certain_o shun_v and_o avoid_v the_o crime_n both_o of_o error_n inhumanity_n and_o pride_n observation_n s._n aâ—gâ—stine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retractation_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n will_v have_v those_o word_n the_o one_o which_o have_v already_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v most_o happy_a aâ—d_fw-mi most_o bless_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v most_o bless_v not_o in_o this_o life_n bâ—t_v in_o that_o which_o we_o hope_v for_o and_o unto_o which_o we_o go_v by_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o who_o be_v there_o alreadyâ—_z whither_o we_o by_o seek_v and_o believingâ—_n that_o be_v by_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n do_v desire_n to_o arrive_v and_o again_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o word_n to_o understand_v great_a and_o worthy_a and_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a thingâ—_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o eternal_a beatitude_n and_o upon_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n whither_o any_o thing_n be_v comprehend_v by_o certain_a reason_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o â—ay_v be_v to_o understand_v or_o whither_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o common_a fame_n or_o write_v to_o be_v proâ—itably_o believe_v by_o posterity_n and_o upon_o these_o that_o we_o understand_v we_o attribute_v it_o to_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v to_o authority_n he_o make_v this_o explication_n this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o in_o common_a discourse_n we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o say_v we_o know_v that_o which_o we_o beliâ—ve_v by_o credible_a witness_n for_o when_o â—e_z speak_v proper_o we_o be_v only_o say_v to_o know_v that_o which_o we_o comprehend_v by_o firm_a reason_n of_o mind_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v with_o word_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v common_o use_v as_o the_o scripture_n also_o speak_v we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v both_o that_o which_o we_o perceive_v by_o our_o corporal_a sense_n and_o which_o we_o believe_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o credible_a witness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o we_o understand_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o chap._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n if_o that_o which_o be_v not_o know_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o ask_v then_o how_o can_v child_n obey_v parent_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n who_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o to_o be_v their_o parent_n for_o that_o who_o be_v their_o father_n it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o mother_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mother_n she_o often_o be_v not_o believe_v but_o midwife_n nurse_n and_o servant_n for_o if_o her_o child_n may_v be_v steal_v from_o she_o and_o another_o put_v in_o the_o place_n can_v she_o deceive_v be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o any_o doubt_n and_o stagger_v at_o all_o that_o which_o we_o confess_v we_o can_v know_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v so_o who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o piety_n the_o most_o holy_a tie_n and_o bond_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v violate_v and_o defile_v by_o a_o most_o proud_a wickedness_n and_o offence_n for_o who_o though_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n can_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o blame_n who_o do_v perform_v his_o oblige_a duty_n unto_o those_o who_o he_o beheuâ—s_v to_o be_v his_o parent_n although_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o on_o the_o coâ—trary_n who_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o man_n who_o will_v not_o love_v those_o which_o perhaps_o be_v his_o true_a parent_n for_o fear_v lesâ—_n he_o shall_v love_v those_o that_o be_v false_a one_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o remain_v safe_a and_o secure_a in_o human_a society_n if_o once_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o believâ—_z nothing_o which_o we_o can_v know_v nor_o understand_v but_o now_o hear_v thaâ—_z whereby_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o shall_v at_o the_o present_a more_o easy_o draw_v and_o persuade_v thou_o that_o seeinâ—_z the_o question_n be_v concerning_o religion_n that_o be_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n those_o be_v lesâ—e_n to_o be_v follow_v and_o harken_v unto_o who_o most_o ready_o promise_v reason_n do_v forbid_v and_o prohibit_v we_o to_o believe_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o all_o man_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o wise_a man_n i_o call_v not_o those_o wiseman_n here_o that_o be_v prudent_a ingenious_a and_o witty_a but_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o as_o firm_a and_o certain_a a_o knowledge_n both_o of_o divine_a and_o humaâ—e_n thing_n as_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o do_v lead_v their_o life_n and_o frame_v their_o manner_n conformable_a thereunto_o but_o as_o for_o other_o how_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a soever_o they_o beâ—_z or_o whither_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v or_o dâ—spraised_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o livesâ—_n i_o repute_v and_o account_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n which_o be_v so_o what_o man_n though_o but_o of_o a_o slender_a understanding_n do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a for_o fool_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o command_n of_o wise_a man_n then_o to_o frame_v and_o order_v their_o life_n according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o fancy_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o do_v it_o be_v a_o fault_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n right_o do_v which_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o right_a reason_n now_o right_a reason_n be_v virtue_n itself_o but_o among_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v virtue_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o the_o wiseman_n only_o offend_v not_o but_o every_o fool_n offend_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o do_v obey_v a_o wise_a man_n for_o such_o action_n do_v proceed_v from_o right_a reasonâ—_n nor_o be_v the_o fool_n to_o be_v accounred_n master_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o his_o own_o actionsâ—_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n or_o servant_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v better_o for_o all_o man_n not_o to_o offend_v then_o to_o offendâ—_z verily_a â—â—l_n fool_n will_v live_v better_a if_o they_o can_v be_v servant_n to_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v â—â—t_v and_o expedient_a in_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o in_o buy_v or_o till_v a_o field_n in_o marry_v a_o wiâ—e_n in_o the_o education_n and_o breed_n of_o child_n and_o final_o in_o the_o managiâ—g_n of_o private_a affair_n much_o more_o be_v it_o expedient_a in_o matter_n of_o relâ—gion_n for_o huâ—ane_a thing_n be_v both_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o divine_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o exceâ—lent_a we_o sin_v so_o much_o the_o more_o gâ—ievously_o and_o dangerouslyâ—_z by_o how_o much_o we_o owâ—_n unto_o they_o a_o great_a honour_n reverence_n and_o reâ—pect_v wherefore_o thou_o â—â—â—st_a that_o from_o hence_o forth_o there_o remain_v nothing_o more_o for_o we_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v foolsâ—_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o good_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n to_o seek_v out_o wiâ—e_n and_o prudent_a man_n that_o by_o obey_v of_o they_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o feel_v the_o dominion_n of_o â—olly_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o at_o the_o length_n we_o may_v become_v wise_a man_n ourselves_o a_o observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retraction_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n advertise_v that_o his_o division_n of_o man_n into_o wise_a man_n and_o fool_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o man_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v
even_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o common_a people_n give_v i_o leave_v a_o little_a to_o consider_v with_o myself_o upon_o who_o word_n i_o have_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o christ_n that_o be_v already_o guard_v and_o fortify_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n i_o may_v give_v ear_n and_o harken_v unto_o thou_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o confirm_v opinion_n and_o to_o a_o most_o renown_a fame_n and_o report_n of_o people_n and_o nation_n these_o people_n also_o i_o see_v in_o all_o place_n to_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n why_o shall_v not_o i_o then_o chief_o inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o christ_n have_v commandedâ—_z by_o who_o authority_n be_v move_v i_o have_v already_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v command_v some_o profitable_a thing_n will_v thou_o better_o expound_v unto_o i_o whatâ—_z christ_n have_v â—aid_v who_o i_o will_v not_o think_v to_o have_v be_v or_o now_o to_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v recommend_v it_o unto_o i_o to_o be_v believe_v this_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v have_v i_o believe_v upon_o a_o famous_a report_n of_o man_n confirm_v with_o consent_n and_o antiquity_n but_o you_o who_o aâ—e_n both_o so_o few_o and_o so_o turbulent_a and_o so_o new_a it_o be_v certain_a you_o can_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o which_o may_v deâ—erve_v câ—edit_n and_o belief_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v this_o in_o thou_o to_o say_v beâ—ieve_v they_o the_o know_a multitude_n of_o christendom_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o beâ—ieve_v christ_n but_o learn_v of_o we_o manichaean_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v why_o so_o i_o beseech_v thou_o verilyâ—_z if_o that_o know_a multitude_n shall_v failâ—_z and_o can_v teach_v i_o nothing_o ay_o shouâ—d_fw-mi much_o more_o easy_o perâ—wade_v myself_o thaâ—_z 〈◊〉_d ought_v not_o to_o believe_v châ—ist_n at_o all_o than_o that_o â—_z aught_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n concerning_o he_o of_o any_o other_o but_o oâ—_n thoâ—e_n by_o who_o mean_n i_o first_o believe_v he_o o_o mighâ—y_v confidence_n or_o rather_o folly_n i_o will_v say_v thou_o teach_v thou_o what_o christ_n have_v command_v in_o who_o thou_o be_v already_o persuade_v to_o believe_v what_o if_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o at_o all_o can_v thou_o teach_v i_o any_o thing_n concerning_o he_o but_o say_v thou_o it_o behoove_v thou_o to_o believe_v what_o upon_o your_o warrant_n and_o recommendation_n no_o say_v thou_o for_o we_o do_v by_o reason_n lead_v those_o which_o do_v alreâ—dy_o believe_v in_o christ_n why_o then_o shall_v i_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o ground_a reportâ—_n be_v it_o ground_v upon_o you_o or_o upon_o other_o upon_o other_o say_v thou_o shall_v i_o believe_v they_o first_o and_o be_v afterwards_o teach_v anâ—_z instruct_v by_o thou_o peradventure_o â—_z aught_o to_o do_v so_o be_v i_o not_o above_o all_o thing_n admonish_v by_o they_o not_o to_o come_v at_o all_o unto_o tâ—ee_v for_o they_o say_v that_o you_o hâ—ld_v pernicious_a doctrine_n thou_o will_v answerâ—_n they_o lie_v how_o â—hen_o may_v i_o believe_v they_o concerning_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v not_o see_v if_o i_o may_v not_o believe_v they_o concerning_o thou_o who_o they_o will_v not_o see_v here_o say_v thou_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o all_o scripture_n if_o be_v new_a and_o unheard_a of_o it_o be_v allege_v or_o commend_v but_o by_o a_o fewâ—_z and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o confirm_v it_o receive_v no_o credit_n nor_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v it_o wherefore_o if_o you_o that_o be_v so_o few_o and_o unknown_a commend_v those_o scripture_n unto_o i_o i_o refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o beside_o also_o you_o proceed_v against_o your_o promise_n rather_o by_o command_a belief_n then_o give_v any_o reason_n thereof_o here_o again_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n thou_o will_v call_v i_o back_o to_o the_o know_a multitude_n of_o christendom_n and_o to_o common_a report_n restrain_v at_o length_n thy_o obstinacy_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o unruly_a appetite_n of_o worldly_a fame_n and_o rather_o admonish_v i_o to_o seek_v out_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o this_o know_a multitude_n and_o to_o inquire_v for_o they_o diligent_o and_o painful_o that_o rather_o i_o may_v learn_v something_o of_o they_o touch_v these_o scripture_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o shall_v not_o know_v whither_o any_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v learn_v at_o all_o or_o no_o as_o for_o thou_o return_v into_o thy_o corner_n and_o lurkinghole_n and_o delude_v we_o no_o more_o under_o a_o show_n and_o pretence_n of_o truth_n which_o thou_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o unto_o who_o thou_o granteâ—â—_z authority_n and_o credit_n and_o if_o they_o also_o deny_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v christâ—_n unless_o a_o undoubted_a reason_n can_v be_v render_v thereof_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n for_o certain_a pagan_n do_v allege_v that_o against_o we_o foolish_o indeed_o but_o yet_o not_o contrary_a nor_o repugnant_a to_o themselves_o but_o who_o can_v endure_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v profess_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o christ_n who_o strong_o asfirm_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v unless_o most_o evident_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v even_o unto_o fool_n concerning_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n but_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o history_n teach_v which_o they_o also_o believe_v desire_v nothing_o more_o principal_o nor_o more_o earnest_o than_o that_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v and_o believe_v when_o as_o they_o with_o who_o he_o be_v to_o treat_v about_o those_o affair_n be_v not_o yet_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o conceive_v the_o divine_a mystery_n for_o to_o what_o other_o purpose_n do_v he_o work_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o miracle_n he_o himself_o also_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v do_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o man_n may_v give_v credit_n and_o belief_n unto_o he_o he_o lead_v the_o simple_a sort_n of_o people_n by_o belief_n you_o lead_v they_o by_o reason_n he_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v believe_v you_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o he_o commend_v those_o that_o do_v believe_v you_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v they_o but_o unless_o he_o have_v turn_v water_n into_o wine_n to_o omit_v his_o other_o miracle_n can_v man_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o follow_v he_o if_o he_o have_v do_v no_o such_o thingsâ—_n but_o only_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o or_o be_v that_o word_n of_o his_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v 1_o joh._n 14._o 1._o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v he_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o rashness_n in_o belief_n who_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n come_v into_o his_o house_n because_o he_o bâ—lieved_v that_o by_o hâ—s_z command_v only_o his_o sick_a son_n can_v be_v cuâ—ed_v mat._n 8._o 8._o he_o therefore_o bring_v a_o medicine_n which_o be_v to_o cuâ—â—â—he_v most_o corrupt_a manner_n do_v by_o mâ—racles_n wâ—nne_fw-la authorityâ—_z by_o authorâ—â—y_n deserve_a belief_n by_o belief_n drâ—w_o â—â—geâ—her_o a_o multâ—â—udâ—_z by_o a_o multâ—â—ude_n obâ—ained_v anâ—â—quâ—ty_n bâ—_z antiquity_n stâ—â—ngthened_v and_o confirm_v religâ—on_n which_o noâ—_z only_o â—hâ—_z most_o foolish_a novelty_n of_o hâ—reâ—icks_n endeavour_v by_o decâ—â—s_n but_o neâ—â—her_o the_o ancient_a error_n of_o the_o gentlies_n be_v vioâ—â—ntly_o benâ—_n against_o it_o can_v in_o any_o part_n abolish_v or_o destroy_v chap._n xv_o of_o the_o most_o cemmodious_a way_n to_o religion_n wherefore_o albeit_o i_o be_o â—ot_v able_a to_o teach_v thou_o yet_o do_v i_o not_o cease_v to_o warn_v and_o admonish_v thou_o that_o because_o many_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v wiâ—e_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o discern_v whither_o they_o be_v fool_n or_o no_o thou_o beseeche_v the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o very_a much_o earnestness_n and_o fervent_a desire_n with_o sigh_n and_o sob_n or_o alâ—o_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o weep_v and_o tearsâ—_n to_o free_a and_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o error_n if_o thou_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o bless_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n which_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o thou_o will_v willing_o obey_v his_o command_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v by_o so_o great_a a_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o see_v that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v by_o his_o mind_n so_o unite_v unto_o god_n that_o nothing_o be_v interpose_v and_o set_v between_o they_o which_o may_v divide_v and_o separate_v they_o for_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v interpose_v
the_o profit_n of_o believe_v very_o useful_a both_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v what_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o for_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v whither_o their_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o write_a by_o s._n augustine_n london_n print_v by_o roger_n daniel_n in_o lovel_n court_n near_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o well-disposed_a reader_n learned_a reader_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o importance_n unto_o thou_o as_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v best_a of_o all_o the_o inestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouchâ—â—â—ed_v to_o redeem_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o his_o own_o pâ—etious_a blood_n plain_o declare_v the_o importance_n thereof_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 16._o 16._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n â—nd_v lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n therâ—of_o wherefore_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o without_o such_o a_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a toplease_v god_n and_o without_o please_v of_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v if_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o haâ—t_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n already_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v embrace_v it_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a abound_v with_o a_o hundred_o hereâ—ies_n at_o least_o the_o embracer_n whereof_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n gal._n 5._o 20._o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 5._o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o religion_n be_v false_a and_o thy_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n thereby_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v well_o consider_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o thou_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o when_o upon_o this_o resolution_n depend_v thy_o frâ—â—tion_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a paâ—ns_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n not_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v many_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o these_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v false_a but_o also_o for_o that_o the_o controversy_n debate_v now_o adays_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v leisure_n to_o study_v they_o and_o few_o ability_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v they_o yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o learned_a writer_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o satisfy_v man_n herein_o but_o what_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v bring_v forth_o any_o man_n so_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o be_v that_o incomparable_a doctor_n s._n augustine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n fol._n 170._o who_o as_o doctor_n field_n assert_v be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o divine_n which_o the_o church_n have_v have_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o doctor_n covell_n affirm_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o master_n burges_n pag._n 3._o have_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o those_o only_o except_v that_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o divine_a and_o human_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discem_fw-la true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a truth_n from_o error_n and_o true_a faith_n from_o heresy_n as_o can_v that_o great_a s._n augustine_n who_o do_v not_o only_o like_o another_o david_n fight_v against_o the_o goliath_n of_o one_o heresy_n but_o like_o another_o joshua_n fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o heresy_n in_o his_o day_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o wherefore_o if_o this_o great_a doctor_n shall_v have_v leave_v any_o advice_n or_o instruction_n behind_o he_o unto_o any_o of_o his_o dear_a friend_n that_o be_v then_o heretic_n whereby_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n among_o so_o many_o heresiesâ—_n ought_v not_o such_o instruction_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o diligent_o peruse_v sure_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o come_v from_o so_o great_a a_o doctor_n and_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a fot_o these_o time_n without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v why_o then_o learned_a reader_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o preâ—ent_a unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o his_o which_o he_o send_v unto_o his_o dear_a and_o learned_a friend_n honoratus_n to_o draw_v he_o from_o the_o manichean_a herâ—sie_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o tender_v it_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o poor_a english_a habit_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a that_o thou_o seek_v more_o after_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n then_o after_o vain_a eloquence_n and_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o human_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4._o but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o under_o this_o poor_a attire_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o great_a s._n augustine_n not_o only_o very_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o dear_a to_o be_v satisfy_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o if_o the_o stile_n be_v displease_v and_o ungrateful_a unto_o thou_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o african_a father_n have_v harsh_a style_n beside_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v a_o native_a african_a to_o speak_v true_a english_a in_o this_o work_n first_o he_o show_v how_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v expouâ—ded_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n or_o it_o against_o the_o manichee_n that_o reject_v it_o second_o he_o overthrow_v that_o manichean_a principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o first_o by_o reason_n make_v manifeâ—t_v and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v â—ervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o sequestration_n of_o affection_n from_o terrene_a thing_n as_o aid_n necessary_a â—or_n the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o famous_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v very_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n he_o exhort_v honoratus_n to_o address_v himself_o unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v far_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a then_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o controvert_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scripâ—ures_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o point_n only_o first_o in_o seek_v out_o which_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o whither_o this_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no_o for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o church_n s._n augustine_n propose_v four_o mark_n unto_o honoratus_n unity_n universality_n sanctity_n and_o apostolical_a succession_n the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o very_o plain_o in_o scripture_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a in_o body_n and_o in_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o our_o saviour_n faith_n his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o s._n paul_n earnest_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgâ—ment_n and_o he_o beseech_v the_o ephesian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes._n 4â—_z 3_o 4â—_z 5._o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v
strength_n of_o understanding_n to_o examine_v they_o what_o remain_v for_o man_n desirous_a of_o satisfaction_n in_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n but_o diligent_o to_o search_v out_o which_o among_o all_o the_o society_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v that_o bless_a company_n of_o holy_a one_o that_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v embrace_v her_o communion_n follow_v her_o direction_n and_o rest_n in_o her_o judgement_n now_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o with_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v this_o eâ—suing_a treatise_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v â—eceive_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o for_o thy_o soul_n health_n thou_o have_v already_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n augustine_n and_o thou_o sâ—alt_v have_v the_o hearty_a wish_n and_o desire_n of_o thy_o charitable_a wellwisher_n a._n p._n the_o table_n chap._n i_o how_o s._n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deâ—eived_v by_o the_o manichee_n page_n 1._o ii_o that_o the_o manichee_n do_v condemn_v the_o old_a testament_n 11_o iii_o of_o the_o four_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n 15_o iv._o 3._o way_n whereby_o man_n fall_v into_o error_n 31_o vâ—_z of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 37_o vi_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o be_v love_v before_o it_o can_v be_v learn_v 4â—_z viiâ—_z thâ—t_z we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o 49_o viii_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a pain_n s._n augustine_n take_v to_o find_v it_o out_o 63_o ix._o of_o credulity_n 68_o x._o why_o credulity_n be_v the_o wâ—y_n to_o religion_n 75_o xi_o of_o under_o stand_v beliefâ—_z and_o opinion_n 83_o xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a wâ—y_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n 93_o xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v 98_o xiv_o that_o christ_n chief_o exact_v belief_n 104_o xv_o of_o the_o most_o commodious_a way_n to_o religion_n 114_o xvi_o that_o miracle_n do_v procure_v belief_n 117_o xvii_o the_o conâ—sent_n of_o nation_n beâ—â—eving_v in_o christ_n 124_o xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o exâ—ortatâ—â—n_n 129_o the_o profit_n of_o believe_v chap._n i._n how_o saint_n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o manichee_n o_o honoratus_n if_o any_o heretic_n and_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n do_v seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v silent_a at_o this_o present_a and_o to_o abstain_v both_o from_o speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o now_o whereas_o they_o do_v verymuch_o differ_v for_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n according_a to_o my_o opinion_n who_o for_o some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o chief_o for_o glory_n and_o his_o own_o preferment_n either_o broach_v or_o follow_v false_a and_o new_a opinion_n but_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n be_v one_o that_o be_v delâ—ded_v with_o a_o certain_a imagination_n of_o piety_n and_o truth_n i_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o deliver_v thou_o my_o opinion_n touch_v the_o find_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o love_n whereof_o we_o have_v both_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v great_o inflame_v even_o from_o our_o youth_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n far_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o vain_a man_n do_v conceive_v who_o have_v too_o deep_o lettle_v their_o affection_n upoâ—_n these_o bodâ—ly_a and_o corporal_a thing_n do_v hold_v and_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o they_o do_v perceive_v and_o discerâ—_n by_o those_o five_o most_o know_a messenger_n of_o the_o body_n and_o they_o toss_v to_o and_o fâ—o_o and_o rerevolve_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o impression_n and_o image_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o these_o thing_n even_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o disbelievâ—_z their_o sense_n and_o by_o a_o deadly_a and_o a_o most_o deceitful_a rule_n take_v from_o thence_o they_o think_v that_o they_o do_v frame_v a_o right_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n of_o the_o ineâ—â—fable_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a my_o most_o dear_a friend_n then_o for_o a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o say_v but_o also_o to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o how_o extreme_a hard_a it_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o indeed_o thou_o will_v as_o i_o hope_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o these_o my_o writing_n which_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a unto_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o hurtful_a and_o unto_o all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v chance_v to_o light_n i_o have_v beseech_v the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o i_o do_v beseech_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o my_o own_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o come_v to_o write_v they_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o vain_a renown_n or_o frivolous_a ostentation_n but_o with_o a_o pious_a and_o a_o serviceable_a mind_n my_o intent_n therefore_o iâ—_z to_o prove_v unto_o thou_o if_o i_o can_v that_o it_o be_v sacrilegious_o and_o rash_o do_v of_o the_o manichee_n to_o speak_v bitter_a word_n and_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n faithâ—_z be_v fortify_v and_o strengthen_v befoâ—ehand_o by_o believe_v and_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n before_o they_o can_v behold_v that_o verity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v see_v and_o behold_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o clean_a mind_n for_o thou_o know_v o_o honoratus_n that_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o company_n of_o such_o man_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o authority_n be_v set_v aside_o they_o will_v with_o plain_a and_o admirable_a reason_n bring_v their_o hearer_n and_o follower_n unto_o god_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o error_n for_o what_o else_o be_v it_o that_o enforce_v i_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o to_o harken_v to_o they_o attentive_o almost_o for_o the_o space_n of_o nine_o year_n have_v despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o religion_n which_o by_o my_o parent_n be_v ingraff_v in_o i_o be_v a_o little_a child_n but_o for_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o superstition_n and_o command_v to_o believe_v before_o any_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o of_o belief_n and_o that_o they_o importune_v and_o urge_v none_o to_o believe_v until_o the_o truth_n be_v first_o discuss_v and_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v with_o these_o promise_n especial_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o young_a man_n desirous_a of_o truth_n a_o babbler_n and_o one_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n upon_o â—isputations_n have_v with_o some_o skilful_a and_o learned_a schoolman_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o find_v i_o then_o to_o be_v namely_o who_o despise_v my_o former_a religion_n like_o old_a wife_n tale_n and_o desire_v to_o embracâ—_z and_o with_o greediness_n to_o receive_v the_o manifest_a and_o sincere_a truth_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o teach_v and_o deliver_v but_o again_o what_o reason_n withdraw_v i_o and_o call_v i_o back_o that_o i_o do_v not_o whole_o adhere_v uâ—to_o thâ—m_a but_o keep_v myself_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o hearâ—â—s_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o and_o do_v â—ot_n forgo_v the_o hope_n and_o affair_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o that_o i_o also_o note_v and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v more_o eloquent_a and_o copious_a iâ—_z consuting_a other_o then_o firm_a and_o certain_a in_o provingâ—_n and_o maintain_v their_o own_o ground_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o who_o be_v now_o become_v a_o catholic_n christian_n who_o be_v almost_o exhaust_v and_o greedy_a after_o a_o very_a long_a thirst_n be_v now_o with_o a_o ardent_a affection_n return_v again_o to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shake_v and_o wring_v much_o weep_v and_o lament_v to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o only_o draw_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a comfort_n for_o my_o misery_n and_o aâ—fliction_n but_o may_v also_o recover_v my_o former_a hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n what_o then_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o and_o as_o for_o thou_o thou_o do_v so_o vehement_o hate_v and_o detest_v they_o that_o i_o can_v hardly_o draw_v thou_o by_o entreaty_n and_o exhortation_n to_o harken_v unto_o they_o and_o try_v they_o and_o when_o thou_o heaâ—dest_v they_o with_o what_o other_o thing_n i_o pray_v thou_o weâ—t_v thou_o take_v and_o
wisdom_n and_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o with_o such_o quickness_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o truâ—h_n can_v lie_v hide_v and_o be_v conceal_v but_o only_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o be_v hide_v and_o unknown_a and_o that_o that_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o some_o divine_a authority_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o that_o authority_n be_v when_o as_o in_o so_o great_a dissension_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n every_o one_o do_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v teach_v and_o deliver_v it_o whereupon_o there_o occur_v unto_o i_o a_o intricate_a wood_n or_o labyrinth_n into_o which_o it_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o enter_v and_o my_o mind_n remain_v restlâ—sse_n amâ—ngst_v these_o thing_n be_v tossâ—d_fw-mi to_o aâ—d_fw-mi fro_o with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o little_a and_o little_o i_o break_v off_o from_o their_o company_n more_o and_o more_o who_o i_o have_v already_o purpose_v to_o forsake_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o now_o remain_v in_o so_o great_a peril_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o with_o tear_n and_o pitiful_a word_n i_o shall_v beseech_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v i_o and_o this_o i_o do_v deliver_v gentle_o and_o careful_o and_o now_o i_o be_v almost_o shake_v by_o some_o disputation_n have_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n s._n ambrose_n l._n 5._o conf._n c._n 14â—_z so_o that_o not_o without_o some_o hope_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v many_o thing_n touch_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v discommend_v and_o dispraise_v unto_o we_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_a and_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o remain_v so_o long_o a_o catechumen_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o which_o i_o be_v deliver_v by_o my_o parent_n until_o i_o can_v find_v out_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v or_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o wherefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o one_o then_o that_o can_v have_v teach_v i_o he_o may_v have_v find_v i_o a_o most_o apt_a scholar_n and_o very_o docible_a after_o this_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a care_n and_o anxiety_n of_o thy_o soul_n thou_o see_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v long_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v and_o if_o thou_o seem_v to_o thyself_o to_o have_v be_v already_o sufficient_o tosseâ—_n and_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o labour_n and_o pain_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o catholic_n discipline_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o christ_n himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n even_o unto_o we_o and_o from_o hence_o shall_v descend_v and_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n chap._n ix._o of_o credulity_n thou_o say_v my_o advice_n be_v foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a see_v that_o all_o man_n do_v make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o embrace_v and_o deliver_v catholic_n doctrine_n that_o all_o heretic_n do_v profess_v this_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o unto_o those_o which_o they_o entice_v and_o allure_v unto_o they_o they_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o most_o hide_a and_o mostobscure_a thing_n and_o chief_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v the_o catholic_n church_n becauâ—e_n those_o that_o approach_n and_o come_v unto_o she_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v but_o they_o glory_n and_o boast_v that_o they_o impose_v not_o upon_o their_o follower_n the_o yoke_n of_o faith_n and_o belâ—evingâ—_n but_o open_a unto_o they_o the_o fountain_n itself_o of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n what_o say_v thou_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o speak_v more_o redound_v to_o their_o praise_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o they_o promise_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o that_o by_o the_o name_n and_o pretence_n of_o reason_n they_o may_v win_v and_o allure_v much_o company_n unto_o they_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n natural_o rejoice_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o have_v regard_n to_o she_o own_o force_n and_o weakness_n by_o a_o desire_n she_o have_v to_o eat_v the_o meat_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o health_n which_o be_v not_o prudent_o give_v to_o the_o infirm_a she_o hasty_o fall_v upon_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o deceiver_n but_o as_o for_o true_a religion_n it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v well_o and_o right_o receive_v without_o some_o weighty_a command_n and_o force_n of_o authority_n unless_o those_o thing_n be_v first_o believe_v which_o every_o one_o may_v afterwards_o attain_v unto_o and_o learn_v if_o he_o carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o it_o perhaps_o thou_o require_v some_o reason_n hereof_o whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o thou_o ought_v not_o soon_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o belief_n which_o i_o can_v easy_o give_v unto_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v accept_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o i_o with_o a_o equal_a and_o impartial_a mind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v commodious_o be_v do_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v answer_n to_o such_o question_n as_o i_o shall_v propose_v unto_o thou_o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o tell_v i_o why_o do_v thou_o conceive_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v because_o say_v thou_o credulity_n itself_o from_o whence_o man_n be_v call_v credulous_a seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a vice_n else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o custom_n to_o object_v this_o name_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n for_o if_o a_o suspicious_a man_n be_v culpable_a and_o faulty_a because_o he_o suspect_v thing_n not_o certain_o know_v much_o more_o do_v a_o credulous_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v who_o differ_v herein_o from_o a_o suspicious_a man_n that_o he_o that_o be_v suspicious_a make_v some_o doubâ—_n in_o unknown_a thing_n but_o he_o that_o be_v credulous_a make_v none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o admit_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o this_o distinction_n but_o thou_o know_v also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o man_n be_v curious_a but_o by_o way_n of_o taunt_n and_o reproach_n but_o when_o we_o call_v a_o man_n studious_a we_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o praise_n aâ—d_fw-mi commendation_n wherefore_o if_o you_o please_v mark_v what_o difference_n you_o conceiâ—e_n to_o be_v between_o these_o two_o thou_o answer_v that_o although_o both_o be_v move_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o know_v yet_o in_o this_o they_o difâ—er_fw-la that_o the_o curious_a man_n inquire_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o unto_o he_o but_o the_o studious_a on_o the_o contrary_a after_o his_o own_o affair_n but_o we_o grant_v that_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o their_o welfare_n do_v belong_v unto_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o be_v go_v a_o far_o off_o out_o of_o his_o native_a soil_n shall_v make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n of_o those_o that_o come_v from_o his_o part_n how_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n do_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o call_v not_o this_o a_o studious_a man_n although_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v chief_o belong_v and_o appertain_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o now_o thou_o understand_v that_o that_o definition_n of_o a_o studious_a man_n be_v herein_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a that_o every_o studious_a man_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v such_o a_o desire_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o studious_a man_n but_o he_o who_o exceed_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o excellent_a breed_n and_o to_o the_o adorn_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o right_o call_v in_o latin_a a_o student_n that_o be_v a_o desirous_a man_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v what_o he_o desire_v to_o hear_v for_o we_o call_v one_o also_o studious_a of_o his_o friend_n that_o love_v his_o friend_n only_o yet_o neveâ—thelesse_o we_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o common_a name_n of_o studious_a man_n without_o any_o addition_n but_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o his_o friend_n do_v i_o will_v not_o call_v he_o studious_a or_o desirous_a of_o hear_v unless_o have_v a_o good_a fame_n and_o credit_n he_o shall_v often_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v but_o once_o desiâ—e_n to_o hear_v it_o i_o will_v call_v he_o a_o student_n or_o desire_v man_n now_o reflect_v upon_o a_o curious_a man_n and_o tell_v i_o whether_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v willing_o hear_v a_o short_a tale_n not_o conduce_v at_o all_o unto_o his_o profit_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o not_o with_o great_a eagerness_n and_o often_o but_o
very_o seldom_o and_o very_o modest_o either_o in_o some_o banquet_n or_o in_o some_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n will_v thou_o think_v he_o to_o be_v a_o curious_a man_n i_o conceive_v not_o but_o true_o he_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v willing_o hear_v may_v seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n also_o of_o a_o curious_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o studious_a man_n and_o therefore_o consider_v also_o whither_o the_o thing_n former_o speak_v aught_o to_o be_v amend_v for_o why_o be_v he_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o suspicious_a man_n who_o sometime_o suspect_v something_o and_o he_o of_o a_o credulous_a man_n that_o sometime_o believe_v something_o wherefore_o as_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o one_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o one_o that_o be_v altogether_o studious_a and_o again_o between_o one_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o one_o that_o be_v curious_a so_o be_v there_o between_o a_o believe_a man_n and_o a_o credulous_a man_n chap._n x._o why_o creâ—â—lity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o religion_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v now_o see_v whither_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v in_o religion_n for_o neither_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v another_o to_o be_v credulous_a do_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n both_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v credulous_a as_o it_o be_v both_o to_o be_v drink_v and_o to_o be_v a_o drunkard_n whosoever_o think_v this_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a can_v in_o my_o opinion_n have_v no_o friend_n at_o all_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unreasonable_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n either_o he_o commit_v a_o foul_a fault_n that_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o friend_n or_o if_o he_o believe_v he_o not_o i_o see_v not_o how_o he_o can_v call_v himself_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o other_o here_o peradventure_o thou_o will_v say_v i_o grant_v that_o something_o ought_v sometime_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o declare_v how_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o â—_z thing_n unreasonable_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n before_o we_o know_v it_o or_o understand_v it_o i_o will_v if_o i_o can_v wherefore_o i_o ask_v thou_o which_o do_v thou_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o great_a â—ault_n to_o instruct_v a_o unworthy_a person_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o instructor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o thou_o understand_v not_o who_o i_o call_v a_o unworthy_a person_n such_o a_o one_o i_o mean_v as_o come_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v religion_n with_o a_o feign_a and_o dissemble_a heart_n thou_o grant_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o worthy_a of_o blame_n to_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o faith_n then_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o religious_a man_n affirm_v something_o of_o religion_n itself_o neither_o will_v it_o become_v thou_o to_o give_v another_o answer_n wherefore_o now_o imagine_v with_o thyself_o that_o the_o man_n be_v present_a who_o be_v to_o inâ—truct_v thou_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n how_o will_v thou_o make_v he_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v with_o a_o true_a and_o a_o unfeigned_a mind_n and_o that_o thou_o use_v no_o deceit_n nor_o dissimulation_n in_o this_o business_n thou_o will_v say_v that_o upon_o thy_o good_a conscience_n thou_o feigne_v nothing_o assure_v it_o with_o all_o the_o word_n thou_o can_v use_v but_o yâ—t_v with_o word_n for_o be_v a_o man_n thou_o can_v not_o so_o open_a the_o corner_n and_o secret_n of_o thy_o mind_n to_o another_o man_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thou_o inward_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v behold_v i_o do_v believe_v thou_o but_o be_v it_o not_o more_o fit_a that_o thou_o also_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o i_o see_v that_o if_o i_o hold_v and_o embrace_v any_o truth_n thou_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o i_o to_o impart_v it_o what_o answer_n shall_v we_o give_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o say_v thou_o have_v it_o not_o be_v beâ—ter_n to_o allege_v reason_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v followit_v without_o any_o rashness_n whithersoever_o it_o shall_v lead_v i_o perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n for_o thou_o to_o know_v god_n by_o reason_n do_v thou_o think_v that_o all_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thingsâ—_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o themâ—_z or_o but_o a_o few_o i_o think_v thou_o say_v but_o a_o few_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o that_o number_n thou_o say_v it_o be_v not_o my_o part_n to_o answer_v to_o that_o question_n thou_o think_v then_o that_o it_o be_v his_o part_n also_o to_o believe_v thou_o in_o this_o matter_n which_o he_o do_v indeed_o only_o let_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v already_o twice_o give_v credit_n unto_o thou_o speakâ—â—g_v uncertain_a thing_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o believe_v he_o wheâ—_z he_o religious_o warn_v and_o admonish_v thou_o but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o thou_o come_v with_o a_o â—incere_a mind_n to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o that_o be_v one_o of_o those_o few_o man_n thou_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o divine_a power_n iâ—_z certain_o knownâ—_z do_v thou_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v to_o other_o man_n that_o have_v not_o so_o great_a wiâ—s_n and_o judgement_n as_o thou_o have_v or_o do_v thou_o conceive_v that_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o certain_a degree_n to_o those_o chief_a secret_n thou_o plain_o see_v what_o course_n of_o proceed_v be_v the_o more_o religious_a for_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n ought_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v forsake_v or_o reject_v in_o the_o desire_n and_o affection_n of_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n but_o be_v not_o thou_o of_o opinion_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n â—irst_n beliâ—ves_v that_o he_o shall_v attain_v unto_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v and_o bear_v a_o humble_a and_o a_o suppliant_a mind_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o certain_a great_a and_o necessary_a preceptsâ—_n be_v very_o wâ—ll_v purge_v and_o make_v clean_o by_o a_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n he_o can_v otherwise_o obtain_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_o true_a indeed_o thou_o think_v so_o if_o then_o they_o who_o by_o certain_a reason_n can_v most_o easy_o conceive_v the_o divine_a mystery_n one_o of_o which_o sort_n i_o believe_v thou_o to_o be_v shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o way_n wherein_o those_o walk_n that_o first_o do_v believe_v will_v they_o receive_v any_o huâ—t_n thereby_o i_o think_v not_o but_o yet_o thou_o say_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o delay_n because_o although_o by_o their_o proceed_n they_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v themselves_o at_o all_o yet_o they_o will_v endamage_v other_o by_o their_o example_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o that_o have_v so_o high_a a_o conceit_n of_o himself_o as_o he_o can_v have_v and_o he_o that_o think_v too_o humble_o of_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o and_o he_o that_o think_v too_o high_a aught_o to_o be_v repress_v that_o neither_o the_o one_o may_v be_v overcome_v by_o despair_n nor_o the_o other_o cast_v down_o headlong_o by_o boldness_n and_o presumption_n which_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o pass_v if_o even_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o fly_v shall_v a_o little_a be_v enforce_v to_o go_v lest_o any_o shall_v be_v dangerous_o invite_v thereunto_o and_o thereby_o also_o a_o sufficient_a care_n may_v be_v have_v of_o other_o this_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o commandâ—d_a this_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o our_o predecessor_n of_o happy_a mâ—mory_n this_o have_v be_v observe_v even_o until_o our_o day_n to_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v this_o orderâ—_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o seek_v out_o a_o sacrilegious_a way_n to_o true_a religion_n which_o whosoever_o do_v can_v attain_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v though_o that_o be_v grant_v they_o which_o they_o desire_v for_o howsoever_o they_o surpass_v and_o excel_v in_o wit_n unless_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v aid_n and_o assist_v they_o they_o creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n which_o assistance_n he_o then_o afford_v when_o they_o that_o tend_v and_o walk_v towards_o he_o have_v a_o care_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o human_a society_n then_o which_o
as_o a_o certain_a medium_n between_o his_o folly_n and_o the_o most_o sincere_a truth_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o a_o wiâ—e_n man_n according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v do_v imitate_v god_n and_o a_o fool_n have_v nothing_o near_a unto_o he_o which_o he_o may_v profitable_o imitate_v and_o followâ—_n than_o a_o wise_a man_n when_o because_o as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o certain_a miracle_n shall_v be_v propose_v and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n which_o fool_n do_v use_n much_o more_o commodious_o than_o their_o undeâ—standings_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n move_v with_o authority_n mâ—gâ—t_n first_o be_v purge_v and_o make_v cleanâ—_z and_o so_o they_o mâ—ght_v be_v enable_v to_o understand_v reason_n and_o therefore_o when_o as_o man_n be_v to_o be_v imitate_v and_o yet_o no_o confidence_n to_o be_v place_v in_o he_o how_o can_v the_o divine_a majesty_n show_v great_a sign_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o liberality_n thâ—n_n that_o the_o sincere_a eternal_a and_o unchaâ—geâ—ble_a wisdom_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o take_v humâ—ne_n nature_n upon_o he_o who_o do_v noâ—_z only_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o mâ—ght_v serve_v to_o invite_v we_o to_o follow_v gâ—d_fw-mi but_o do_v alâ—o_o endure_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v discouragâ—d_fw-mi from_o follow_v of_o he_o for_o whereas_o no_o man_n can_v obâ—ain_v the_o most_o ceâ—tain_a and_o chief_a good_a unless_o he_o do_v full_o and_o peâ—fectly_o love_v it_o which_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v so_o long_o as_o man_n fear_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o â—re_o subject_a to_o fortune_n and_o chance_n he_o by_o his_o wonderful_a birth_n and_o admirable_a woâ—ks_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o love_v and_o charity_n and_o have_v exclude_v terror_n and_o fear_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o final_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n too_o long_o to_o be_v here_o express_v and_o set_v down_o that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o perceive_v hereby_o how_o far_o the_o divine_a clemency_n can_v reach_v and_o be_v extendedâ—_z and_o how_o far_o man_n infirmity_n can_v be_v elevate_v and_o extol_v chap._n xvi_o that_o mâ—racles_n do_v procure_v belief_n this_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o most_o wholesome_a authority_n this_o at_o the_o first_o be_v a_o withdraw_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o earthly_a habitation_n this_o be_v a_o conversion_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v only_a authority_n which_o move_v fool_n to_o make_v haste_n unto_o wisdom_n so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v sincere_a thing_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o authority_n but_o true_o it_o be_v more_o miserable_a not_o to_o be_v move_v thereby_o for_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o rule_v and_o govern_v human_a affair_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o busy_v and_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o religion_n but_o if_o even_o the_o frame_n and_o species_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o some_o fountain_n of_o the_o true_a beauty_n do_v as_o it_o be_v public_o and_o private_o exhort_v all_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o brave_a spirit_n both_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inward_a conscience_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o despairâ—_z but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n have_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v some_o authorityâ—_z upon_o which_o if_o we_o lean_v and_o rely_v as_o upon_o a_o sure_a step_n we_o may_v be_v elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o unto_o he_o this_o authority_n reason_n be_v set_v aside_o which_o to_o understand_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n for_o fool_n to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v do_v move_v and_o excite_v we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n partly_o by_o miracle_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o follower_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o wise_a man_n need_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o now_o we_o be_v discourse_v how_o we_o may_v become_v wise_a man_n that_o be_v how_o we_o may_v cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o doubtless_o can_v be_v do_v with_o a_o foul_a and_o impure_a mind_n the_o uncleanness_n whereof_o be_v to_o expound_v it_o brief_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o beside_o itself_o and_o god_n from_o which_o fiâ—th_n by_o how_o much_o any_o one_o be_v more_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o do_v he_o behold_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o to_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v cleanse_v the_o mind_n when_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v that_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o truth_n be_v certain_o a_o perverse_a and_o a_o preposterous_a thing_n wherefore_o to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o see_v it_o and_o may_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v authority_n be_v at_o hand_n which_o without_o doubt_n receive_v her_o strâ—ngth_n and_o vigour_n partly_o by_o miracle_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o follower_n as_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o a_o miracle_n i_o call_v any_o hard_a or_o unwonted_a thing_n whatsoever_o which_o appear_v above_o the_o expectation_n and_o power_n of_o the_o wonderer_n in_o which_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o common_a people_n and_o for_o man_n that_o be_v absolute_o â—ottish_a and_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o be_v apply_v and_o propose_v to_o the_o sense_n but_o these_o again_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o sort_n for_o some_o there_o be_v that_o only_o move_v man_n to_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o other_o which_o beside_o do_v win_v and_o purchase_v great_a favour_n and_o good_a will_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n fly_v he_o will_v only_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o beside_o the_o behold_n of_o it_o yield_v to_o the_o spectator_n no_o commodity_n nor_o profit_n but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v afflict_v with_o a_o grievous_a and_o desperate_a sickness_n shall_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o disease_n be_v command_v to_o depart_v recover_v his_o health_n he_o shall_v overcome_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o cure_n by_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o curer_n such_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a when_o god_n appear_v to_o man_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o true_a man_n the_o sick_a be_v cure_v mat._n 9_o 6_o 13_o 15_o 16._o mat._n 9_o 7_o 22._o mar._n 3._o 5_o 10._o joh._n 4._o 53._o the_o leprous_a be_v cleanse_v mat._n 8._o 3._o mar._n 4_o 2._o luke_n 5._o 3._o and_o 7._o 22._o go_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o lame_a mat._n 11._o 5._o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a luke_n 18._o 42._o joh_n 9_o 7â—_z the_o man_n of_o that_o time_n see_v water_n turn_v into_o wine_n joh._n 2._o 9_o five_o thousand_o people_n fill_v with_o five_o loaf_n of_o bread_n mat._n 14._o 20_o 21._o man_n walk_v upon_o the_o seaâ—mat_n 14._o 25._o joh._n 6._o 19_o and_o 21._o 7._o and_o the_o dead_a rise_n from_o death_n to_o life_n luke_n 7._o 15._o and_o 8._o 55._o so_o some_o miracle_n be_v do_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o body_n by_o a_o more_o manifest_a benefit_n and_o some_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o more_o hide_a sign_n but_o they_o be_v all_o for_o the_o help_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n thus_o do_v the_o divine_a majesty_n then_o draw_v unto_o it_o the_o stray_a soul_n of_o mortal_a man_n why_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n do_v now_o because_o they_o will_v not_o move_v unless_o they_o be_v wonderful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a they_o be_v noâ—_z wonderful_a for_o bring_v unto_o i_o a_o man_n when_o he_o first_o see_v the_o course_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o mâ—st_a constant_a order_n of_o celestial_a thing_n the_o 4._o chaâ—ges_n of_o the_o year_n the_o fall_n and_o return_v of_o the_o leaf_n unto_o the_o tree_n the_o infinite_a virtue_n of_o seed_n the_o beauty_n of_o light_n the_o variety_n of_o colour_n sound_n smell_n and_o taste_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o whole_o astonish_v and_o quite_o overcome_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o miracle_n and_o yet_o we_o despise_v and_o we_o make_v and_o account_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o they_o be_v
easy_o know_v for_o what_o be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o but_o for_o that_o we_o be_v accustom_v frequent_o to_o see_v themâ—_z those_o thing_n be_v therefore_o most_o fit_o do_v that_o a_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o propagate_v by_o themâ—_z profitable_a authority_n may_v be_v coâ—verted_v into_o custom_n themselves_o a_o observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n and_o 14._o chapter_n allege_v these_o word_n why_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n do_v now_o because_o they_o will_v not_o move_v unless_o they_o be_v wonderful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a they_o be_v not_o wonderful_a and_o expound_v they_o thus_o this_o i_o say_v because_o not_o so_o great_a nor_o all_o miracle_n be_v do_v now_o but_o not_o that_o none_o be_v also_o now_o do_v chap._n xvii_o the_o coâ—sent_n of_o nation_n believe_v in_o christ_n all_o custom_n have_v such_o virtue_n power_n to_o win_v the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o we_o soon_o can_v condemn_v and_o detest_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v nought_o and_o wicked_a in_o they_o then_o forsake_v or_o change_v they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n come_v to_o pass_v when_o as_o our_o unlawful_a appetite_n and_o deseres_fw-la have_v get_v a_o dominion_n and_o predominancy_n over_o we_o do_v not_o thou_o think_v that_o great_a care_n have_v be_v take_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o not_o only_o divin_v most_o learned_a man_n do_v argue_v and_o contend_v that_o nothing_o that_o be_v earthly_a nothing_o that_o be_v fiery_a final_o nothing_o that_o be_v perceptible_a by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v â—nd_v adore_v for_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o entreat_v and_o supplicate_v only_o by_o the_o understanding_n or_o intellectual_a power_n but_o also_o that_o the_o unskilful_a multitude_n of_o both_o sex_n do_v in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o divers_a nation_n both_o believe_v it_o and_o publish_v it_o that_o there_o be_v continency_n and_o forbearance_n of_o meat_n even_o to_o the_o most_o slender_a diet_n of_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o fast_n not_o for_o one_o day_n only_o but_o also_o continue_v for_o divers_a day_n togetherâ—_z that_o there_o be_v chastity_n even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o marriage_n and_o issue_n that_o there_o be_v patience_n even_o to_o the_o contemn_n of_o cross_n and_o flame_n that_o there_o be_v liberality_n even_o to_o the_o distribution_n of_o patrimony_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o final_o so_o great_a a_o disesteem_v and_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o even_o death_n itself_o be_v wish_v and_o desire_v few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v these_o thing_n few_o that_o do_v they_o well_o and_o prudent_o yet_o the_o people_n do_v approve_v they_o harken_v unto_o they_o and_o like_o they_o yea_o they_o love_v and_o affect_v they_o and_o not_o without_o some_o progress_n of_o their_o mind_n towards_o god_n and_o certain_a spark_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n they_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imbecility_n that_o they_o can_v do_v these_o thing_n this_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o humanity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o voyage_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o contumely_n cross_n blood_n and_o death_n of_o martyr_n by_o the_o laudable_a and_o excellent_a life_n of_o saint_n and_o by_o miracle_n do_v at_o convenient_a time_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n worthy_a of_o so_o great_a matter_n and_o virtue_n when_o as_o therefore_o we_o see_v so_o great_a help_n and_o affiâ—tance_n from_o god_n and_o so_o great_a fruit_n and_o entrease_v thereby_o shall_v we_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n at_o all_o of_o retire_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o church_n which_o even_o to_o the_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a by_o succession_n of_o bishop_n have_v obtain_v the_o soveâ—eignty_n and_o principal_a authority_n heretic_n in_o vain_a bark_n round_o about_o it_o and_o be_v condemn_v partly_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o partly_o by_o the_o gravity_n of_o counsel_n partly_o also_o by_o the_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n of_o miracle_n unto_o which_o not_o to_o grant_v the_o chief_a place_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v either_o indeed_o a_o extreme_a impiety_n or_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o a_o dangerous_a arrogancy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o wisdom_n and_o salvation_n but_o when_o faith_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o reason_n what_o be_v it_o else_o to_o be_v ungraetfull_a unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n but_o to_o have_v a_o will_n to_o resist_v a_o authority_n which_o be_v gain_v and_o purchase_v with_o such_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o if_o â—very_n art_n and_o trade_n though_o but_o base_a and_o easy_a require_v a_o teacher_n or_o master_n that_o it_o may_v be_v learned_a and_o understand_v what_o great_a expression_n can_v there_o be_v of_o rash_a arrogancy_n and_o pride_n then_o both_o to_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n from_o their_o interpreter_n and_o yet_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o condemn_v the_o unknown_a chap._n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n wherefore_o if_o either_o reason_n or_o our_o discourse_n have_v any_o way_n move_v thou_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o true_a care_n of_o thyself_o as_o i_o believe_v thou_o have_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o harken_v and_o give_v ear_n unto_o i_o and_o with_o a_o pious_a faith_n a_o cheerful_a hope_n and_o â—incere_a charity_n to_o address_v thyself_o to_o good_a master_n of_o catholic_n christianity_n and_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n without_o cease_v and_o intermission_n by_o who_o only_a goodness_n we_o be_v make_v and_o create_v by_o who_o justice_n we_o be_v punish_v and_o chastise_v and_o by_o who_o clemency_n we_o be_v free_v and_o redeem_v by_o which_o mean_v thou_o shall_v neither_o want_v the_o instruction_n and_o disputation_n of_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_a nor_o book_n nor_o clear_a and_o quiet_a thought_n whereby_o thou_o may_v easy_o find_v that_o which_o thou_o seek_v and_o as_o for_o those_o verbal_a and_o wretched_a man_n for_o how_o can_v i_o speakâ—_z more_o mild_o of_o they_o forsake_v they_o altogether_o who_o find_v out_o nothing_o but_o mischief_n and_o evil_a whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o much_o for_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o which_o question_n they_o stir_v up_o oftentimes_o their_o hearer_n to_o inquire_v and_o search_v but_o they_o teach_v they_o those_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o always_o to_o sleep_v then_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v great_a pain_n after_o that_o manner_n for_o they_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o a_o lethargy_n or_o drowsy_a evil_a and_o make_v they_o frantic_a between_o which_o discase_n whereas_o both_o be_v most_o common_o mortal_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o lâ—thargy_n do_v die_v without_o trouble_v or_o molest_v other_o but_o the_o frautike_a man_n be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a unto_o many_o and_o unto_o those_o especial_o that_o seek_v to_o assist_v he_o for_o neither_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o evil_a nor_o have_v it_o ever_o repent_v he_o to_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n nor_o be_v he_o trouble_v with_o a_o storm_n of_o any_o commotion_n or_o stir_v of_o the_o mind_n nor_o be_v a_o particle_n or_o piece_n of_o earth_n his_o kingdom_n he_o neither_o approve_v nor_o command_v any_o heinous_a crime_n or_o offence_n he_o never_o lie_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n do_v move_v and_o trouble_v we_o when_o they_o do_v strong_o oppose_v they_o and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o feign_v this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v a_o most_o absolute_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v right_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v those_o thing_n what_o then_o have_v i_o learn_v what_o think_v thou_o but_o that_o when_o they_o reprove_v those_o thing_n the_o catholic_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reprehend_v so_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o learn_v among_o they_o i_o hold_v and_o retain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v false_a and_o untrue_a i_o refuse_v and_o reject_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v also_o teach_v i_o many_o other_o thing_n whereunto_o those_o man_n be_v pale_a and_o without_o blood_n in_o their_o body_n both_o gross_a and_o heavy_a in_o their_o understanding_n can_v aspire_v namely_o that_o god_n have_v nobody_o that_o no_o part_n of_o he_o can_v be_v perceive_v by_o corporal_a eye_n that_o nothing_o of_o his_o substance_n and_o his_o nature_n be_v any_o way_n violable_a or_o changeable_a or_o compound_v or_o frame_v which_o thing_n if_o thou_o grant_v i_o to_o be_v true_a as_o wâ—e_n ought_v not_o to_o frame_v any_o other_o conceit_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o their_o subtle_a device_n and_o shift_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v but_o how_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o cause_v nor_o do_v any_o evil_a and_o that_o â—here_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o nature_n and_o substance_n which_o he_o have_v not_o either_o produce_v or_o make_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o free_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a be_v a_o thing_n approve_v upon_o so_o necessary_a reason_n and_o ground_n that_o no_o doubt_n at_o all_o can_v be_v make_v thereof_o especial_o by_o thou_o and_o such_o as_o thou_o be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o to_o their_o good_a wit_n they_o join_v piety_n and_o a_o certain_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o at_o all_o of_o so_o great_a matter_n can_v be_v conceive_v and_o understand_v and_o here_o be_v no_o report_n of_o great_a and_o large_a promise_n make_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o persian_a fable_n a_o tale_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v tell_v to_o child_n then_o to_o ingeniâ—us_fw-la and_o witty_a man_n and_o as_o for_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n than_o the_o manichee_n do_v foolish_o imagine_v and_o conceive_v but_o because_o i_o have_v make_v a_o far_o long_a discourse_n than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v let_v i_o here_o end_v this_o book_n wherein_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o begin_v to_o refute_v the_o manichee_n and_o impugn_v those_o toy_n nor_o to_o have_v expound_v any_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n but_o that_o my_o only_a intent_n be_v to_o have_v root_v out_o of_o thou_o if_o i_o can_v the_o false_a opinion_n of_o true_a christian_n which_o have_v be_v malicious_o or_o unskilful_o inâ—inuated_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o stir_v thou_o up_o to_o the_o learning_n of_o certain_a great_a and_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o i_o will_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o work_n and_o if_o it_o make_v thy_o mind_n more_o quiet_a and_o content_v i_o shall_v peradventure_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o serve_v thou_o in_o other_o thing_n finis_fw-la